What Was The Hold Up?

Jacob lived for seventeen years after his arrival in Egypt, so he lived 147 years in all. [Genesis 47.28]

Jacob was insistent that he be buried back in Canaan with his people. The famine that brought Jacob and his sons to Egypt was over well before Jacob's death (at least ten years). Knowing full well that Canaan was the Promised Land, why did Jacob not insist on moving back there after the famine so he could die and be buried there? What was the hold up?

Had Jacob ignorantly become apathetic about God's promise regarding Canaan? Or, was Jacob acutely aware of the words God spoke to his grandfather Abraham (Genesis 15.13) that there would be a 400 year oppression? Based on what we obviously know about the Jews' excellent preservation of history, it is more likely that Jacob had some idea that his family's move to Egypt due to famine would ultimately become their bondage!

Father, help me to be avoid apathy regarding what You have promised me. Help me to not lose sight of the goals You have placed before me but rather to remain focused on them! But also, help me to be knowledgeable of what You have decreed and work within that and not oppose it.